HDTV Hook up. Why do I need a box?

Question

I have regular (non-Digital) Comcast cable. I bought a new HDTV (Hitachi). When I did a channel search during setup, HD local channels surfaced. For instance, local channel 13 showed up also as channel 13-1 in HD. Under the channel display it also says PN-2. I have no box, no special cables. Why do I need a box? These channels have slowly showed up as not authorized channels and have been disappearing. I think the boxes are a scam with some HDTVs.

Answer 1

This makes absolutely no sense to me; why you and why other people do this. What is the point of buying a big fancy HDTV if you are not willing to subscribe to HD programming from your cable/satellite provider? I dont' see the point in paying $2000 to see a few local channels in HD. HD programming at most is like $20 more a month. You will only ever receive local channels in HD. For everything else, you NEED A HD Box from your cable company. The LEAST you can do is upgrade to digital cable, otherwise your channels are going to look horrible on your HDTV.

Answer 2

The scam isn't with the HDTV - it's Comcast. Even if you have an hdtv that can pick up local hd broadcasts free with an antenna, you need the cable service box to get hd with thier service. I already had cable when I got my hdtv and think it's well worth the upcharge to get all the hd broadcasts.

Answer 3

the box will allow u to receive the hd signals. u will also need component or hdmi cables to  make it actually look hd.

Answer 4

You may be confusing digital signals with HD signals.  

Digital signal does not automatically mean HD.  

I'm going to venture out and say that you probably don't have HD cable service, but do have digital cable service from Comcast.  

If this is the case, do note that many HDTVs have built-in QAM tuners that allow picking up unscrambled "DIGITAL" cable channels.  If your HDTV has this, then you would not need the cable set top box.

Additionally, just by connecting a regular antenna to you HDTV, you may be able to pick up over the air HD programs that are broadcast by local TV stations -- free of charge.

Answer 5

I have a 55" Sony HD Digital receiver and am using Dish.  I get an analog signal from the Dish box to the TV My local channels are over the air (OTA) and are Digital HD.

Candidly, I see little or no difference between the Dish analog signal and the OTA HD signal.

I,m beginning to wonder if this HD thing is like the Emporers New Clothes!